On a beautiful and pleasant February weekend, the recreation department was pleased to participate in the nationwide “Great Backyard Bird Count” at Centennial Gardens. The “Great Backyard Bird Count” assists scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society in the collection of data in order to study the bird population over a specific period of time. Through these observations and data scientists are able to research and define environmental changes.
Over the past 4 years, residents have spotted 23 different species and over 866 birds at Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary. The various birds included American Gold finch, Robin, Tree Sparrow, Barn Finch, Gold Finch, Black Capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Canada Goose, Cardinal, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Downy Woodpecker, Field Sparrow, Herring Gull, House Finch, House Sparrow, Juncos, Mourning Doves, Northern Flicker Woodpecker, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Red Tailed Hawk, Song Bird, Starling, Tufted Titmouse, White Breasted Nuthatches, White-Throated Sparrow.
Special thanks go out to Recreation Department employee Don Haug for overseeing this nationwide project. During the 3-day official count days at Centennial Gardens, 60 residents joined by members of the Floral Park Conservation Society, and Mayor Tweedy and members of the village board, and village administrator Gerry Bambrick in this nationwide event.
